Parental Perceptions of Barriers to Blood Lead Testing

Abstract 

Introduction

This study identified barriers to blood lead testing from the perspective of parents of young children eligible for Medicaid.

Method

Data were gathered from three focus groups. Participants were asked if they were familiar with the dangers of high blood lead levels, rationale for not having a child tested for blood lead, what would facilitate having blood lead testing, and how they wanted to learn about blood lead poisoning.

Results

Most parents (n = 30) were unfamiliar with the causes and effects of lead poisoning. While many reported their child had been tested for lead, others were unsure because they were not told the purpose of blood draws. Participants suggested that having all services in one facility would decrease travel and thus facilitate blood lead testing; others wanted the discomfort associated with phlebotomy minimized. Participants preferred to learn about lead poisoning from low-literacy brochures, videos, and television ads.

Discussion

Nurses should institute measures in their practice sites to improve blood lead poisoning prevention education and blood lead testing rates and to reduce the pain and anxiety associated with this procedure.